By Molly Beauchemin
on August 22, 2014 at 10:45 p.m. EDT

Update: MTV reports that the snake was a boa constrictor named Rocky "who has been in the entertainment business for 15 years." Another snake will be used during the actual VMA performance.

One of Nicki Minaj's backup dancers was bit by a 6-foot snake during a rehearsal for her upcoming VMA performance of "Anaconda", according to a report from TMZ. Reportedly the reptile was in fact an anaconda, which is a non-venomous snake that is nevertheless capable of transmitting bacteria that can lead to serious infections.

By Molly Beauchemin
on July 27, 2014 at 7:32 p.m. EDT

Australian police are investigating a prank photo of Lily Allen in handcuffs that was reportedly taken while Allen was touring in Australia, Billboard reports. According to the story, Allen asked officers who were escorting her through the Gold Coast Airport in Queensland, Australia to cuff her while she posed on her knees for a photograph.

By Molly Beauchemin
on March 5, 2014 at 8:28 a.m. EST

Photo by Tonje Thilesen

In a statement made on her Facebook page early this morning, Sky Ferreira spoke out against misogyny, homophobia, and other hateful internet commentary that she has experienced. The statement addresses Ferreira's personal experiences with abuse, and urges readers to delete or report offensive comments. It ends with a call for internet users to "show & spread compassion".

By Laura Snapes
on April 26, 2012 at 8:21 a.m. EDT

Update: Johnny Marr has posted on his Facebook: "The rumour of the Smiths reunion is untrue. It's not happening."

Cue a tirade of "what, by hologram?" jokes: British website Music-News.com reports that the Smiths are in talks to reform for a major fall tour, based on "a source" reporting that the band have been discussing the notion with a "well known promoter." There's little to make the story seem anything but spurious at this stage, particularly given the assertion that the move was inspired by the Stone Roses' reunion. Johnny Marrtweeted at 12:51 GMT: